Lesson 8. The Gospel: The Basis for Relationships
Day 4
One of the beautiful aspects of following Christ is the clarity and freedom His gospel brings to our lives. Cultural, social, marital, and economic status frequently determine one's acceptance and influence in the world, but not in the kingdom of Heaven. In God's kingdom, the price Christ paid for us defines us, and 1 Corinthians 7 invites all believers, regardless of our situation, to be as singularly devoted to Christ as we can! We should do everything possible to remove distractions, free up our hearts, and live our lives serving Christ who died for us.
We want to make every effort to spend as much time in God's Word and prayer as possible so that we begin to grow in our salvation and ability to serve the Lord. "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment" (1 Peter 2:2 NLT). As you flood your heart and mind with the milk and meat of God's Word, crying out for nourishment, the Holy Spirit uses the gospel in your life to mature you. He leads you into all truth and enables you to serve the Lord with the urgency of knowing that life is short.
Our text today provides more gospel clarity to specific situations. As you read, remember how Jesus lived in complete devotion to His Father and His wife (all believers). Recall how He "set His face like flint" (was resolutely determined) to go to Jerusalem and die (Isaiah 50:7) for our sins. Consider how His heart was free from worldly distractions, and His passion was to rescue you from death and hell and to love you out of your sin. And then ask yourself if there is anything you can do to remove distractions, to help you focus on the Lord and His sacrifice for you, that you might, in response, be a living sacrifice for Him (Romans 12:1-2) all the days of your short life.
“Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. 29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible”
1 Corinthians 7:25-35 NLT
Regardless of our life circumstances, our goal is to be "devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit" (verse 34), so we can "serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible" (verse 35). But life in this fallen world is messy and full of difficulties and distractions, so we must keep Christ's work for us at the forefront of our minds to help us set our priorities. God has loved and served us through Christ's sacrifice; it is reasonable that we should offer our lives "as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1 NIV).
Question 1. What, if any, obstacles do you have to devoting yourself fully to Christ? Please share.
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